Why Every Young Person Should Learn Social Skills: One Parent’s Powerful Perspective on the PEERS® Program

In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced, digital, and socially complex, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of connection. Whether it’s friendships, family relationships, or professional communication, social skills are the foundation of a thriving life.

What To Do When Someone Teases You: A Guide to Handling Teasing Effectively

Teasing can really hurt, right? Whether it’s at school, work, or online, being teased can make you feel upset, embarrassed, or powerless. You might have been told to just ignore it, walk away, or tell an adult. But here’s the truth: those strategies don’t always work—and sometimes, they can even make things worse.

We understand that navigating social situations can be tough, especially when you have autism, ADHD, or other social challenges. Whether you're a teen, a young adult, or a parent supporting someone in their social development, these challenges are real, and they can be frustrating.

The PEERS® Social Skills Boot Camp for June 2025 is designed to address these struggles and help participants improve their social interactions in a structured, supportive environment. But why should you consider this Boot Camp for you or your child? Let’s look at some of the common pain points and how this program can provide real solutions.

Have you ever been in a conversation where you tried to explain how you felt, but it turned into an argument instead?
Maybe you said something like, "You're always ignoring me!" — and suddenly the other person got defensive.

That's exactly where "I" statements can help.

"I" statements are a simple but powerful communication tool.
They let you express your feelings clearly, without blaming or accusing the other person — which means people are much more likely to really listen to you.

Let's break it down.

Making friends can be hard — especially if you don’t know where to find them.

We hear it all the time from parents and young people: “They want friends, but they just don’t have anyone to talk to.” Or “There’s no one their age that they connect with.” And sometimes, that’s true — because they’re simply not in the right spaces to meet like-minded people.

For many young people, one of the hardest parts of making friends is knowing how to start. It’s not always about being outgoing or funny — sometimes, it’s simply knowing what to say, when to say it, or how to join in.

You might see your teen or young adult hang around the edges of a group, clearly wanting to be part of it, but unsure how to get involved. They might smile, look over, or even walk past a few times — hoping someone will notice. But without the right tools or confidence, starting that conversation can feel impossible.

We all want to feel like we belong. Whether it is at school, work, or in social settings, being part of a group gives us a sense of connection and support. But for many, especially those who struggle with social skills, fitting in can feel challenging. The good news is that social skills are learnable, and they play a crucial role in being accepted by peers and making lasting friendships.

Building social confidence and meaningful connections can be a challenge for many people, especially those who experience social difficulties. That’s where the PEERS® Social Skills Boot Camp by Social Skills Australia comes in—an interactive, immersive experience designed to provide the tools and strategies needed to thrive in social settings.

As we navigate different stages of life, personal development often takes center stage—whether in our careers, health, or hobbies. But one area that is just as crucial, yet often overlooked, is social growth. The ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and feel at ease in social settings is not just a luxury—it’s an essential life skill. Investing in your social growth can open doors to fulfilling friendships, rewarding careers, and greater overall well-being.

Dating can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been led to believe certain myths about how it all should work. Many of these misconceptions create unnecessary pressure, making the dating experience more stressful than it needs to be. The good news? Once you recognise these myths for what they are, you can approach dating with more confidence and ease.

Navigating social situations can be challenging at any age, but for many adults over 30, the need to improve social confidence becomes even more essential. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, build meaningful friendships, or simply feel more at ease in social settings, Social Skills Australia’s Over 30’s Social Skills Workshop is designed to help you develop essential communication skills in a supportive environment.

For many people, especially those in the neurodiverse community, the idea of “putting yourself out there” can feel overwhelming. Social interactions can be tricky, and stepping out of your comfort zone may seem like a big challenge. But building connections and creating opportunities for growth is possible—and it starts with small, manageable steps.

Here’s a guide to help you put yourself out there while honouring your unique needs and strengths.

For many autistic people, navigating social situations can feel like walking a tightrope. The way we approach communication and relationships is often shaped by our unique experiences and motivations, which may not align with neurotypical social norms. This difference isn’t about being rude or unfriendly—it’s about operating from a different framework of understanding and interacting with the world.

As a parent, you are your teen's first and most important teacher when it comes to social development. The social challenges that many teens with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits face can make navigating relationships, conversations, and social settings difficult. That’s where you come in. Your involvement in their social growth can make a world of difference.

For neurodivergent adolescents and young adults, the right learning environment can make all the difference. Social skills, which many take for granted, can be a source of anxiety and confusion for those with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions. This is where neurodivergent-friendly learning environments, like the PEERS® program, shine.

As the new year unfolds, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on areas of growth and set goals for the months ahead. While health, career, and fitness goals are common, one powerful area for transformation is often overlooked: social skills.

Starting a conversation can be intimidating, especially for individuals with autism, ADHD, or other social challenges. However, a simple and well-placed opener can break the ice and create opportunities for meaningful connections. The key is to be genuine, show interest, and keep things light. Here are some practical tips and easy conversation starters to help get the ball rolling in various situations.

For many people, socializing can feel as energy-consuming as physical exercise. Whether it’s a work event, a family gathering, or even hanging out with friends, social interactions can drain your “social energy.” And for neurodivergent individuals, this energy depletion can feel even more intense. Enter the concept of a “Social Energy Budget.”

When we think of small talk, we often think of surface-level exchanges — the weather, “how are you?” pleasantries, or what we had for lunch. While these exchanges serve a purpose, they rarely lead to the connections and meaningful relationships we seek. Jumping straight into deep conversations can also feel awkward, or even invasive, especially if there’s no strong bond yet. So, what’s the answer? “Medium Talk.”

If you or someone you care for is an NDIS participant and looking to improve social skills, confidence, and overall communication, the Self-Paced PEERS® Course might be the perfect solution. Designed for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges, this course offers practical tools that foster meaningful relationships and greater independence.